Biography
Aaron Neville, born January 24, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is celebrated for his smooth, vibrato-rich tenor and a career that spans R&B, soul, gospel, jazz, country, and pop. He first rose to national prominence in 1966 with the hit single 'Tell It Like It Is,' later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and went on to become a founding member of the Neville Brothers, often referred to as the 'First Family of New Orleans Music.' Despite early struggles—including poverty, legal troubles, and addiction—Neville's resilience and faith helped him build a remarkable solo career, earning four Grammy Awards and collaborating with artists like Linda Ronstadt and Trisha Yearwood[4][2].
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, established in 1977 in New Orleans, revolutionized the brass band tradition by infusing funk and bebop into classic New Orleans jazz. Emerging from the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band under the mentorship of Danny Barker, the group revitalized the local brass band scene at a time when its popularity had waned. Their innovative approach and energetic performances brought them international acclaim and collaborations with a wide range of artists, including Aaron Neville[1][3].
In 2023, Aaron Neville and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band joined forces on the Grammy-winning track 'Stompin' Ground,' a testament to their shared roots and enduring influence in American roots music. This collaboration highlights the cross-generational and cross-genre legacy of both Neville and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, underscoring their pivotal roles in shaping the sound and spirit of New Orleans music[4][3][7].
Fun Facts
- Aaron Neville is known for his distinctive facial mole, which became a signature part of his image.
- The Dirty Dozen Brass Band got their name from the Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club, a nod to New Orleans' vibrant social club culture.
- Aaron Neville has performed the U.S. national anthem at the Super Bowl twice, including a memorable duet with Aretha Franklin and Dr. John in 2006.
- The Dirty Dozen Brass Band played a key role in reviving brass band music in New Orleans at a time when the tradition was nearly extinct.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Danny Barker - Mentor to the founding members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band through the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, which provided foundational training and inspiration. (Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band) [1972–mid-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Linda Ronstadt - Frequent duet partner with Aaron Neville, producing Grammy-winning hits. (Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind) [Late 1980s–1990s]
- Neville Brothers - Aaron Neville's family band, foundational to his career and New Orleans music. (Multiple albums and live performances) [Late 1970s–2012]
- Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Collaborated with Aaron Neville on the Grammy-winning 'Stompin' Ground' and other projects. (Stompin' Ground (2023), live performances) [2023]
- Dr. John - Collaborator with both Aaron Neville and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band on recordings and live performances. (Voodoo (Dirty Dozen Brass Band, 1989), Super Bowl national anthem (2006)) [1980s–2010s]
Artists Influenced
- Ivan Neville - Aaron Neville's son, who has carried on the family musical legacy as a prominent musician. (Solo work, Dumpstaphunk) [1990s–present]
- Modern New Orleans brass bands (e.g., Rebirth Brass Band) - The Dirty Dozen Brass Band's innovative style influenced a new generation of brass bands in New Orleans. (Rebirth Brass Band albums and performances) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- My Feet Can't Fail Me Now (Our New Orleans (Expanded Edition))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Aaron Neville Dirty Dozen Brass has been played 16 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 25, 2025 | 17:44 | The Christmas Songfrom Soulful Christmas | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill | |
| Dec 25, 2025 | 10:33 | christmas prayer | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young | |
| Dec 19, 2025 | 21:38 | christmas prayer | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Dec 19, 2025 | 00:16 | HOW COULD I HELP BUT LOVE YOU | Midnight Music | |
| Dec 18, 2025 | 23:06 | Louisiana Christmas Dayfrom Aaron Neville's Soulful Christmas | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Dec 13, 2025 | 11:56 | I`m Waitin` At The Stationfrom Ultimate Collection | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 12:31 | Every Day | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Nov 13, 2025 | 19:27 | You Never Can Tellfrom The Grand Tour | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Nov 7, 2025 | 12:22 | A Change Is Gonna Comefrom Best of Aaron Neville (1966-1997 | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 11:53 | Stompin' Groundfrom Take Me To The River: New Orle | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk |